Ortega split his 2013 season between Triple-A Toledo and Detroit. He was dominant in 40 appearances with the Mud Hens, finishing with an 1.86 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 48.1 innings. His 11-game stint in Detroit wasnít quite on that level, but Ortega still finished with a decent 3.86 ERA and 10:6 K:BB ratio in 11 appearances out of the Tigersí bullpen. The 25-year-old has a power arm and projects to work the middle innings once he sticks permanently at the major league level. His fastball hovers in the mid-90s with the ability to ramp up to 97 mph, and he also sports an average slider. While he sports the necessary two-pitch repertoire to be effective, Ortega has battled control issues throughout his development. His 6.2 BB/9 was an improvement over 2012, but heíll need to cut that mark down significantly to receive consistent work in the majors. The Tigers will likely give Ortega a long look this spring, but he could be ticketed for another stint in Toledo to work on his control.

2012

After turning heads in spring training last year, Ortega did little to build on those impressions in his first season with Triple-A Toledo, finishing 1-3 with a 6.31 ERA and 1.760 WHIP in 50 innings. The main culprit for his struggles was his lack of command Ė Ortega walked 4.86 BB/9IP last season. Despite the bumpy showing with the Mud Hens, Ortega remains one of the better bullpen prospects for the Tigers thanks to an electric fastball that tops out at 98 mph but usually hovers between 93-95 mph. He also features an above-average slider and a subpar change-up. While many relievers can get by with just two solid pitches, itís tough for any bullpen hurler to have much success at the major league level with the lack of command Ortega has displayed throughout his minor league career. The 23-year-old will need to spend more time in the higher levels of the minors improving his control before the Tigers give him a look.